But, at long last, the wait is over. Ed’s third studio album, Divide, is finally here, and it’s everything that we’d hoped it would be, and more. With a combination of uptempo folksy tracks, soulful slowdowns with nostalgic lyrics, and straight-up emotional ballads, it’s safe to say that this is an album worthy of a lot of repeat plays.

Not only is there a healthy balance of moods on this record, but Divide offers a seamless emotional arc. It begins on an energetic note and progresses naturally, swelling to a romantic climax in its eleventh hour number. And just as emphatically as Divide starts, it ends softly, leaving its listeners feeling introspective and thoughtful. It is clearly an instant hit – one that will certainly stand the test of time.

Track 01: “Eraser”

The first track opens with forceful strums of the guitar, and then we hear Ed’s voice. But he’s not singing; he’s rapping. You’ll soon find yourself nodding along to the steady beat, just as his fast-talking first verse gives way to a super catchy hook. The second verse of “Eraser” brings an even speedier rhythm, with Ed riffing on “chasing the picture-perfect life” and broken hearts. The album is off to a bold start, and this is certainly a song that you’ll have trouble getting out of your head.

Track 02: “Castle on the Hill”

The nostalgic single “Castle on the Hill” is second in the list, and if you haven’t heard this song yet, prepare to be obsessed. The lyrics conjure up images of childhood innocence: long summer nights, open roads, and old friends you used to know. By the end of this track, you’ll want to look through all your old photos, close your eyes, and go “back to when.”

Track 03: “Dive”

This romantic song opens with a slow and steady beat, but don’t be fooled. It quickly builds to a passionate chorus, giving major vibes of some of Ed’s earlier songs. (You’ll probably be reminded of “Thinking Out Loud” here.) But just when you start to think that it’s a total throwback to his earlier days, a bluesy bridge is inserted towards the end, giving it an entirely new sound.

Track 04: “Shape of You”

The confident and sultry undertones of “Shape of You” made it an instantly popular single, and we’re pretty sure that no one is sick of it yet. With its steady beat and flirty lyrics, it’s a perfect dance track…which is probably why it’s been getting so many remix treatments in the past few weeks.

Track 05: “Perfect”

“Perfect” begins with a simple chord, and then Ed’s soulful voice comes in: “I found a love / For me / Darling just dive right in / Follow my lead.” This is arguably one of the most emotional love songs on the entire album, as the hook sounds more like a wedding vow than song lyrics. (In fact, we wouldn’t be surprised if this song became a clutch first-dance choice at weddings.) Pretty sure that this track will make you think of your boo…or the person you hope becomes your boo.

Track 06: “Galway Girl”

After slowing it down with “Perfect,” the opening sequence of “Galway Girl” will definitely re-energize you. With lyrics like, “She beat me at darts / Then she beat me at pool / Then she kissed me like there was nobody else in the room,” it sure sounds as though Ed had a certain someone in mind while writing this song. But regardless of whether or not the song was written about a specific person, the romantic encounters he describes are so relatable that it’s easy to imagine a date from your own past as the track’s subject.

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Track 07: “Happier”

OK, it’s time for a bittersweet song. From the solemn opening notes, it’s immediately clear that this one is going to tug on some heartstrings. “Happier” tells the story of a broken relationship, with Ed singing about passing an ex on the street…with her new boyfriend. “I know that there’s others that deserve you / But my darlin’, I am still in love with you / But I guess you look happier, you do,” he sings amid swelling music. Real talk: we’ve all been there. We won’t judge you if you brush away a tear while listening to this song.

Track 08: “New Man”

Dry your eyes; we’re back in the uptempo zone. “New Man” begins with some funky “na, na, na”s followed by a steady drumbeat. Ed starts singing about a guy who spends a lot of money on jeans, plucks his eyebrows, and goes to the gym a lot…sounds like someone talking about an ex’s new boyfriend. Our suspicions are confirmed with this lyric: “Still lookin’ at your Instagram / And I’ll be creepin’ a lil’ / I’ll try not to double-tap / From way back / ‘Cause I know that's where the trouble’s at.” (Truer words have never been spoken, TBH.) But “New Man” is the flipside of “Happier;” instead of pining, Ed is singing about not wanting to know about his ex’s new relationship. In a sense, the two tracks side-by-side feel like the natural emotional progression after a breakup. We wouldn’t be surprised if he did that on purpose.

Track 09: “Hearts Don’t Break Around Here”

It might be time to get the tissues back out, ‘cause we’ve got another love song on our hands…and this one is especially sweet. “Hearts Don’t Break Around Here” captures the fear of opening up and showing your vulnerability to another person, as well as the rewards that can exist on the other side when you do. In the hook, Ed sings, “Every night / I’ll kiss you / You’ll say in my ear / ‘Oh, we’re in love, aren’t we?’ / Hands in your hair / Fingers and thumbs, baby / I feel safe when you’re holding me near / Love the way that you conquer your fear / You know, hearts don’t break around here.” It’s the kind of song you’ll want to quote in your journal…or use to caption your Instagram photos.

Track 10: “What Do I Know?”

With this song, we step away from the topic of relationships for a moment. (Don’t worry though, we’ll get back to that.) “What Do I Know” feels almost autobiographical, as it’s sung from the perspective of someone who focuses solely on music, love, and a desire to make a difference. With lyrics like, “We could change this whole world with a piano / Add a bass and guitar, grab a beat, and away we go” it sure sounds like Ed’s mantra. It’s definitely a feel-good song, one that deserves to blasted at full volume while singing along.

Track 11: “How Would You Feel (Paean)”

Told you we’d get back to the love songs. “How Would You Feel (Paean)” was another single that was pre-released prior to Divide, so you might have already heard this nostalgic ballad. The romantic lyrics invoke images of the beginning of a relationship: those whirlwind days of butterflies and falling in love. Between the emotional words and the beautiful chords, it’s easy to get chills while listening to this one.

Track 12: “Supermarket Flowers”

If you made it this far without crying, the game is over with this song. “Supermarket Flowers” was written for Ed’s grandmother, who passed away while he was recording Divide. The song opens gently, and begins painting a picture of the profound loss that occurs after a long illness. With lyrics like, “You were an angel in the shape of my mom,” there certainly won’t be a dry eye among any listeners by the end of this song. But above all, it serves as a reminder that loved ones can always live on in our memories.

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Track 13: “Barcelona”

This is the kind of song you’ll want to listen to before going out with your besties, especially since the track begins with the words: “Get on up, up on the dance floor tonight.” It makes you think of those exciting spring break nights that you never want to end. With an energetic beat and a singable hook, it’s a song that you’ll want to hear several times over.

Track 14: “Bibia Be Ye Ye”

This is one of Ed’s folksier songs, edging on the side of country, with a banjo-sounding riff in the background. He sings about having a pocket full of coins and broken dreams amid an extremely catchy melody. Despite the fact that the words to this song are a little melancholy, it has a cheerful, uptempo vibe, making it hard to feel anything but happy while listening.

Track 15: “Nancy Mulligan”

While the previous track sounded folksy, “Nancy Mulligan” is a full-on folk song. It tells a whole story in under three minutes, and you can almost imagine it play out as you listen to the words. There’s an entire bridge filled with clapping and cheering, conjuring up images of that scene in Titanic (the one where Jack takes Rose to the ‘real party’.)

Track 16: “Save Myself”

Like the regular album, the deluxe album leaves on a bittersweet note. “Save Myself” is a slow ballad with a message of remembering to take care of yourself. Ed sings, “Before I save someone else / I’ve got to save myself,” which is a really important reminder of the value of mental and emotional health. After all, sometimes you do have to put yourself first – and that’s okay.